LAS VEGAS – Roman Dolidze is not keeping a close look at the UFC’s official rankings, even though he’s about to headline his first event against a ranked opponent.
The UFC middleweight contender is unconcerned about his positioning in the division in terms of what it could mean for a potential title shot. Dolidze (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC), who fights Nassourdine Imavov (12-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 235 Saturday, doesn’t think being No. 1 in the division is necessary to get a shot at the belt.
“If you remember how Sean (Strickland) got his title shot, he fought Nassourdine after he fought some guy outside the top 15, and he got a title shot,” said at Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 235 media day. “That’s why I don’t like to make predictions and conversations like this. It will be what it will be. I’m ready for anything. That’s all.
“In this organization, the rankings nowadays don’t do nothing. Look at Khamzat (Chimaev). Why is he in the top 15? Who did he fight? Why does he need to be here? Also, how they move some guys up and down. That’s why I don’t think rankings show anything. There is organization UFC, and UFC will decide what they want to see and what fights will sell more or less, and that’s more important, probably.”
Dolidze is currently ranked No. 8 in the UFC’s promotional rankings, with Imavov a few spots behind at No. 11. The Georgian doesn’t want to put a label on his matchup. He sees it as a big fight, but that’s as far as he will let his imagination go. What’s certain, if victorious, he would like to get someone higher in the rankings next.
“What do you want me to say? Big words and say it’s No. 1 contender fight? No, I’m not that guy,” Dolidze said. “I’m sure there’s going to be somebody here to start talking like that. It’s a good, interesting fight. I think after this fight we can get a top-five opponent – definitely, we deserve. Let’s see what will happen. what happens, no one knows.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 235.
